Homicide Caught On Tape In Brooklyn, IL

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BROOKLYN, IL. (KTVI) - Fox 2 obtained video of a murder in progress outside strip clubs in Brooklyn, IL. Several surveillance cameras outside PT’s Club and Roxy’s caught the crime as it happened around 3:45 Sunday morning. The video did not actually show the victim being shot. It did show the frantic reaction among everyone nearby when the shots rang out. It also gave a very good view of a car that could be a key to solving the crime. A crowd had gathered at a barbecue stand between the PT’s and Roxy’s; suddenly everyone in the video scattered at the sound of multiple shots fired.

There was a man down with bullet wounds on the other side of that car was closest the BBQ stand.

Key witnesses fled the scene before police could even respond.

“It’s obvious there were numerous patrons from either PT’s or Roxy’s out in the parking lot. We’d like their input on what they saw,” said Lt. Dave Wasmuth of the Illinois State Police. “Most of the people scattered after the shooting occurred. A few went to try and render aid to the victim.”

Police identified the victim as James Williams, 32, of Vinita Park, in St. Louis County. He died at a hospital from the gunshot wounds. Police didn’t know why anyone would want to kill him. They hoped the video would lead to answers for investigators and Williams’s family.

“There is no motive that we know of at this point. We’re hoping that the individuals out there in the parking lot or some of the patrons passing by may give us some insight to a motive that will lead us in the right direction,” Wasmuth said.

Investigators were particularly interested in that car parked closest to the BBQ. In the video, you could see a man get in the car and drive away moments after the shooting. There may have been other people in the back seat. It was an almost brand new, silver, Camaro, 2012 or 2013.

“It was right next to where the shooting occurred so they have valuable information we could use to help solve this case,” Wasmuth said. “After the shooting it pulls back, does a turnaround and exits towards Route 3, out of Brooklyn. We’re unsure whether these individuals participated in the shooting as suspects or were valuable witnesses to us. Either way we need to identify and talk to the people in that Camaro.”

If you have any information call Illinois State Police, or call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS. You don’t have to leave your name and you may get a cash reward.

The FBI was enhancing video from another camera because it could have a clear view of the suspects.